Thank you for the Reviews. I want to say this story is a slow simmer. It's meant to build up into something really good. I am very grateful for all the reviews that you guys are giving me, your support means a lot. I hope you guys enjoy this new chapter and remember to leave some loving.
As always characters are property of their creators, however the story is all mine.
Joy in Dying
Chapter 02:
In the morning I woke up disoriented tangled between my sheets. My jacket was tangled all around my face, I pushed it around and another coat, then I realized with a start Bo wasn't in bed, only her coat was. I sat up too quickly for my heads liking and got a terrible pounding in response, my vision blurred a little and my stomach's contents threatened to make an escape. I groaned and fell back in the bed wishing with all my might I had remembered last night how much I hated hang overs.
I heard footsteps in my room and tentatively opened one eye to see, Bo was standing in my bedroom door with a tall glass of water and what looked like a slice of bread. Her face lit up when she saw I was up and she flashed me a million dollar smile.
"I have a terrible hang over and I don't know how I got here but thank you for letting me stay" she said gently whispering.
She leaned over shyly handing me the tall glass of water and what seemed like Tylenol. I downed those in an instant and sat up much slower than before.
"We got here by cab. I wasn't going to let you drive that death trap when we were drunk" I said shyly as I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
"I should get going, I didn't plan to stay out all night, my roommate must be worried sick." she said tugging on her shirt and frowning at a dark spot.
"What time is it?" I asked a bit of panic in my voice.
"It's a quarter 'til twelve, why?" Bo replied after double checking her watch.
"Oh shit!" I groaned and got up in a haste my stomach lurching towards my throat again, my head wanting to burst "I have a shift at the bar at noon! I'm going to get fired, this"
"Play sick" Bo said like she had just said the sky is blue. I abruptly stopped and looked at her quizzically, was she serious? What did she think this was High School?
"What?" I asked knowing I had definitely heard wrong.
"Play sick, get a Doctor's note or whatever. It's illegal for them to fire you if you have a Doctor's note." She explained as the most casual thing in the world as she grabbed her jacket and threw it on.
"This is not high school, that whenever you want you just miss out on a job" I explained. "and secondly, IF and this is a big IF, I decide to play sick what doctor am I going to convince to give me a certificate stating that I'm sick? It's a serious break of the Hippocratic Oath."
"l'll talk to my dad, he's a doctor, he'll write something up like a virus or something... and even though we're not in high school, sometimes you gotta know when to play hooky Lauren. You very intoxicatedly told me you had been wanting to let lose for a bit now." Her smile reached her eyes and I felt my face redden. I was always a blabber mouth when I drank.
I was flabbergasted, she had a complete logical, sense-making explanation that I couldn't pass under today's circumstances. I mean I didn't miss out on work and lie but this really called for drastic measures since I was at my last strike with Bruce. I sat down on my bed once more and let out a big sigh, this was so unlike me.
"Well I mean, I wouldn't want to bother your Father or anything…" I nervously added and her smile grew wider.
"I'm corrupting you" she said waving it off as I walked her to the door. "But yeah Dad can do that, he does it for Kenzie and Dyson all the time."
"Your siblings?" I took a guess as I walked past her towards the kitchen.
"Yeah, the best ones in the world" she said beaming with pride I smiled and popped some pastry into the toaster and sat on my counter to wait for it to pop up. "They're twins but fraternal, they're exact opposites. Do you have any siblings?"
"I have a brother but I don't know much about him, my Mother and Farther split when I was born. He took my brother and I haven't herd of them since." It was a lot to open up about, especially when I felt so strongly about the Fae, but with Bo it was very easy to talk to her drunk or not.
"Sorry to hear that." She lamented and I waved it off.
"It was a long time ago… my mother and I are pretty tight after that." I smiled shyly.
She gave me a nod and closed the gap between us she brushed a strand of hair behind my ear and I blushed.
"Thanks for last night, I had a really good time." With a smile and a wave she left quietly my apartment and I stopped looking after her towards the door when my pastry popped into the air.
I ate my snack and smiled despite of myself. Bo had been fascinating last night, we had talked about many things. As if sensing my uneasiness for the Fae the subject was avoided. Instead she somehow got me to talk about the TV shows I watch. When we got to science shows my mouth ran as always and the nerd in me came out full throttle. My smiled faltered a bit at the exhaustion I felt. I texted my boss and let him know I was sick and had to run to the Doctor, another co-worker would cover me. My head pounded despite the pain reliever and I knew I had to sleep more if I was going to kick this hangover.
I must've fallen asleep because I awoke without the killer hang over but the headache still remained. It majorly sucked. Piper and Alex were lighting up a joint and watching cartoons. It was too loud for my hang over, I groaned and held my head as I plopped down on the couch next to Piper. It was going to be a long day if I felt like shit like this. I must've fallen asleep again because suddenly Piper was there brushing my hair back and handing me some water. I grunted a small thanks and she chuckled.
"She ain't gonna die babe! " I heard Alex's raspy voice clarify to her girl. I couldn't help but smile.
"Good 'cause I'm pretty sure she left the bar with an Angel last night." Piper taunted as I glared at her slightly.
"Alex, why would you leave me with your new FAE dealer!?" I demanded shooting daggers out of my eyes.
She handed me the joint with a smile and I took a small hit knowing it would kick my headache. I gave it to Piper and drank some more water. Before giving an expecting look towards Alex and she gave me a mischievous smile.
"What? I sent her because she's cool." She admitted with a shrug. "she's dealt with me twice and she's very fucking hot"
Piper shot her a look and I snorted a laugh as Alex defended herself.
"What!? She's like sex on legs, you have to be fucking blind to miss that. I love you baby you know I do, but Hot Fucking Damn that Bo!"
"Her tits are pretty sweet…" Piper mused from above and I choked on the water I was sipping on.
Then I remembered. Through the fog of my hangover I remembered Bo. Before my mind caught up my lips broke in a smile as I thought of her. I was so conflicted between the two sentiments. I was feeling optimistic in a personal level, but the guilt felt crushing morally. I took a long breath and looked for my phone. I was dreading that I had lost it. I tended to do that while drunk. After checking the time I read my new message.
-It looks like I have your number. :D AND PICTURES!
-Bo
Upon reading this a smile stretched upon my face. There was a picture of Bo making a face next to me sticking out my tongue we were both clearly wasted but it looked fun even in the picture. I chuckled and Piper snatched the phone out of my hand.
"Oh, would you look at that!" Piper threw the phone to Alex who laughed at the picture and read the message out loud.
"Alright alright…" I tried to stop the taunting as I slowly pulled myself up feeling much better.
"Can we meet up tomo-"I dashed across the living room and snatched the phone from Alex as she laughed.
Can we meet up tomorrow? My Father will be in town before heading out for vacation, it's the small window we have for the note.
-Bo
I knew deep down I could perhaps get a note somewhere else if I wanted it bad enough. Something about Bo made me want to give her a chance. I was scared of course, I wasn't naïve, Fae were dangerous and I knew that if she was Fae then her parents and siblings were as well. Something about her father being a Doctor made me feel at ease. Someone who serves the public always had a lighter side to them.
Sure, as long as I don't have to get on your death-trap I'm game.
Lauren
I was grateful that the taunting from my roommates had seized. I stood and walked back to my room. I plopped down on my bed and smiled as the phone buzzed in my hand. I looked at the pictures before I clicked on the message. There was a few pictures of us at the bar. On one I was looking intently at the camera my brown eyes shining with drunkenness as I knitted my eyebrows in confusion comically my blonde hair a mess as Bo leaned close as if to take the selfie with me but her beautiful face was on me. Her eyes were straight on me, her smile was alcoholised and I could see a sparkle to her eyes, full of kindness. I clicked my phone a few more times and pulled up her message.
I'll come by tomorrow, if you're up for it,
wear something nice but not too nice. ;)
-Bo
Suddenly I felt excited that I was going to meet up with her tomorrow. I typed a quick reply back and smiled despite myself. It was something that caught me by surprise. I steeled my thoughts, trying not to read much into the situation. I was being helped by a friend and her family so I wouldn't lose my job.
It may have not seem much to work in a bar like I did but I really enjoyed working with my friends. It would keep my demons at bay, my depression was always contained when this happened so this was a favour I appreciated, Fae or not.
I spent the rest of my day kicking my hang-over and avoiding Alex's and Piper's taunts. It was like living with five year olds but I loved them dearly. They brought me back to life again after they returned from their time in prison.
I had applied to work up here in Canada in a research project after graduating top of my class. I had been working for a year when the opportunity came by almost destiny to reconnect with Alex and Piper with me under a rehabilitation project. I found loop holes in the system and exploited them.
It was funny how it all happened. I had been searching for a roommate for a while. Nadia and I had always disagreed on whether the house was too big for us or not. Now that she was gone, it was definitely a big empty house, one that I couldn't possibly let go. So I decided to rent the extra room and see if in the process I found some company. I received an interesting e-mail one day from the Litchfield Correctional Facility. I, being a scientist, was really curious. When I opened it I found Alex. She had written a short paragraph saying she was interested in the space for rent. After that she went on to explain that I would probably notice she was in jail because of the e-mail address.
"I know it doesn't make a good impression that I'm in here. I'm here for a totally non-violent crime that I can show you my records to confirm." She wrote. "I was already approved for immigration into your country once I get released. I get out this upcoming month of November and was looking for something I could afford. I know it's too early to know if I'll make a good candidate to room with. Hell if you even got this far after reading that I'm in prison kudos to you. I should let you know, my girlfriend gets out a few months after me, she would be living with me as well in the rental. I am willing to negotiate anything but her stay."
After I had read the whole e-mail which included a picture of her in an orange jumpsuit and black rimmed glasses I sat straight up not believing my eyes. I had joined the program hoping that I could help some people and maybe, just maybe know someone they knew but here she was in the flesh.
I e-mailed her back and set it all in motion. On two visitation days they let her video chat with me. A privilege she later confessed she didn't win lightly. We made small talk the first time, not believing our luck either. She was excited and cried the first time she realized it was me.
She explained to me how she got caught selling drugs internationally. Since she wasn't the big fish they wanted to fry she rolled on her boss and got less time. He had set her up after all. At last so many questions of their sudden absence at school which came rather abruptly.
Like the first time we met, I was drawn to her wit and crude humor, but more than anything the devotion she had for Piper moved me. On our second video chat we talked for longer. She admitted to me feeling pretty shitty that Piper was in prison because of her dealings. She was trying to make it up to her by preparing life on the outside for her when she was out. Alex wanted to take care of every detail to make her comfortable.
I in turn opened up to her on why I was looking for a roommate. I told her how I had lost Nadia, the first time I was talking about it with anyone. How I lost her, how I lost my profession and pretty much my life as I knew it as I plunged deeper and deeper into depression. In her eyes I saw pain for me, like she wanted to reach out and comfort me. She was in prison and she wanted to comfort me.
The next couple of weeks we e-mailed each other and chatted some more. We became fast friends again. She would tell me about herself and listen to me pour out my soul. One time she came into camera looking grief stricken and I instantly worried.
"What happened?" I asked
"Piper got jumped in the shower last time I was on kitchen duty. She was going to get shanked 'cause I'm getting out soon." I saw her ruffle her hair and take a big breath trying not to cry.
"Is she alright?" I instantly feared for my friends.
"Yeah, but she had to fight back. She'll be in solitary for a week and her release date has been pushed back a month. I'm going to try and appeal" she stated.
That whole week whenever I would write or talk to Alex her spirit seemed crushed. Like prison life had come crashing down with all its weight into her shoulders. I couldn't help but want to comfort her. I asked for her release date and begged her to not seek retaliation for what had happened. It's what they wanted, for them both to stay longer.
The next few days between our chats I researched how long and how to get to the correctional facility she was in. When she came online again she was itching to beat the girls that had gotten Piper. They had been boasting about what they had done. I cut her a deal. If she could stay out of trouble and come out on her release date I would go pick her up personally. Her face lit up. She was ecstatic about the idea. I was so nervous! This was so wild for me. From probes and lab tubes to picking up my criminal bff.
When it was all said and done I waited outside Litchfield Correctional on a cloudy day. It was around quarter of the hour when I saw her approach the gates. Her clothes were way too big for her and looked outdated. I saw a blonde woman at the other side of the fence crying as she walked along the fence with Alex. I knew who it was immediately. She kissed her the best she could through the fence until the guards shouted at them. With a wave of a hand she walked towards me as Piper watched intently. In the distance I heard it loud and clear.
"Thank you Lauren! I'll see you soon! Thanks for all your help!" my heart warmed.
We shared a tight hug when we met. Like the old friends from years ago. As we got into my car I told her how glad I was that she had kept her promise. We made small talk on the drive up to Canada. The first thing we did along the road was stop at a mall. I bought her 4 pairs of jeans and a few shirts that actually fit her. She kept apologizing over and over. That she'd pay me back as soon as her assets were not frozen. I waved her off, it felt good being able to help her.
The rest of the drive we stopped at anything she wanted to see or experience. Being locked up like an animal for so long and everything becomes new. I was in for a real life experience I hadn't fathomed. I was experiencing everything for the first time through her eyes.
When we got to the house she fit in like a glove. She was ecstatic by the sheer size of it. Her favorite thing became doing things at unorthodox times. Like having breakfast at two in the morning and dancing in the afternoon, working out late nights. She told me it was freeing to her, not to adhere to any schedules. She felt she could live life now. With all her improvement came great darkness too. She had bouts and fits of deep shame and guilt whenever she thought of Piper being in prison for the next couple of months. They had made a pact before she was released. Alex couldn't come visit her or see her while she was still in there. Piper argued it would help her keep a lid on her emotions and that way she could avoid more time.
By Christmas Alex had found a job in the restaurant business thanks to some girls I knew. I had fallen back into my old college job which was bartending. It was my first Christmas without Nadia and it was hard for me. Being with Alex made it a bit bearable. Just having someone there with me made the world of difference. For Christmas we shared presents and, naughty as ever, Alex got her hands on some grade A ganja.
I hadn't smoked in years! Here we were in the living room as she convinced me to smoke with her. I caved in and we rolled a fat joint. I choked a couple of times, I coughed like my lungs were going to collapse and Alex laughed at me the whole way. She was a doll and coached me through it. We laughed like teenagers for hours. I went all out and gave the pizza boy a 50 dollar tip for it being Christmas and my munchies being taken care of.
"You know, I don't think I'll ever find love again if Piper is not with me. Not being depressive or anything, but speaking the truth, I'd feel incapable of loving anyone else.
"Trust me Alex. I have a hypothesis of 98% certainty that I will never love again. Not after Nadia."
I broke out of my thoughts as the doorbell rang. I threw a look at myself in the mirror and made sure everything was in place. My hair was flawless, I had straightened it and left it lose. I wore a white long sleeve button down, it was elegant and comfortable which made me choose it. My black skinny slacks hugged my curves and my medium heeled boots adorned my feet matching my black leather jacket.
As soon as my eyes fell on her my smile grew. She looked even better than in our first meeting and I couldn't help my wondering eyes. Her hair was done in curls as her bands were held back in a braid making her look elegant and sophisticated. She wore light dark makeup that accentuated her beauty and I couldn't distract my eyes from the smirk her lips gave me as she appraised me. Her low cut skin tight black laced shirt made my throat go dry and I cleared it before speaking softly.
"Hello Bo." She shot me a gorgeous smile before adjusting her leather jacket.
"Helli Lauren, you look amazing." She breathed and I blushed.
The way I felt under her stare was intense and I couldn't help but wonder if this was how I would always feel around Bo. I kept telling myself to keep my distance that nothing good ever came from mingling with Fae but it was to no avail. I couldn't help the way my body would respond to Bo drunk or not.
"Well, my dad get home from work at 5pm, dinner is server at 5:30pm so we should be heading out" she said breaking the looks we were giving each other.
"Wait, dinner?" I asked concerned suddenly out of my element.
"Yeah dinner, it's a small price to pay for the certificate, they like to know my friends. You can say they're old school." she said with a chuckle.
"So do they know your…occupation?" I teased as she smiled and took my hand leading me away after I closed up.
She gave me a slight shove with a gentle playful smile and shook her head a bit.
"They know I'm an entrepreneur, they just don't know what I push." She said with a small blush. "I'd like to keep it that way if you don't mind."
"It's not my place to discuss such things with your parents Bo, I'm just a stranger extremely lucky you're willing to help out." I declared.
"That can change." Bo offered me with a flirtatious smile that took my breath away.
I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear to hide my blush. I wanted to change the conversation, the way Bo made me feel was something I never expected from any Fae catching me by surprise.
"You live close by?" I asked as she opened a private car's back door letting me hop in following behind me.
"No, not really, around an hour away, it's far enough to keep the parental units in check but not far enough to miss them terribly" she smiled goofily and I nodded.
"I'm not going to lie I'm a bit nervous." I confessed.
It wasn't only because of the dinner and the visit, she was taking me to her home. I had many apprehensions about this inside. I had built a wall around myself to prevent any Fae from coming into contact with me, yet here I was walking into the belly of the beast.
"Just be yourself, it's nothing , just dinner with my parents and possibly my brothers if they're home." she shrugged
I smiled and struck up conversation, trying to keep my mind engaged. If I didn't think about what I was doing I wouldn't be as anxious as I sometimes would get. Once I cracked the first joke her laugh ran through the car warming me up with happiness. She was so carefree and fun. From then on our ride was spent making small talk about her family I was soon to meet.